Airspan Networks today announced the recent successful deployment of commercial WiMAX service with regional carrier Buzz Broadband in Queensland, Australia.
Buzz Broadband, a locally based Carrier and ISP operating in the cities of Bundaberg, Maryborough, Hervey Bay and Childers, has deployed broadband wireless services to date using Airspan ASWipLL systems for its 22 base stations and backhaul links. It is now expanding that network with Airspan’s WiMAX products as an alternative to incumbent Telstra for 150,000 people in and around its service area.
Airspan’s AS.MAX equipment deliver broadband data and VoIP services to its customer base. To ensure that admission control and priority number (Emergency) calls can be supported, Buzz Broadband will apply Airspan’s VoiceMAX as part of the broadband access network.
WiMAX service will be rolled out across a 30,000 square kilometer region of Queensland where Buzz Broadband holds 3.4GHz licenses. Initial deployments will consist of MicroMAX Base Stations, Airspan’s low-cost base station, which will be linked to Airspan’s ProST and EasyST subscriber units. The EasyST is the world’s first “self installable” WiMAX Forum Certified modem. The EasyST and ProST both incorporate Intel’s ProWireless 5116 chip.
Unwired Australia and Personal Broadband have pioneered broadband wireless across Australia.
Unwired Australia has coverage in Sydney & Melbourne, and will be moving into other capital cities in the future. They use Navini gear and will bring 802.16e-based Mobile WiMAX to Australia. Anytime now.
Personal Broadband uses Arraycomm’s technology. Their iBurst network currently provides coverage in the metro areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and the Gold Coast as set out in coverage maps. Personal Broadband is also expected to move to Mobile WiMAX in the future.
